Guild Hall’s Annual Summer Gala boasted over 350 guests who came to celebrate a preview of the exhibitions of Mary Heilmann: Water Way and Joel Mesler: Miles of Smiles, and honor Louise and Howie Phanstiel who were recognized for their generosity towards the East Hampton institution. Guests enjoyed activations in all areas of the renovated building, including the museum, theater, and gardens.
The landmark event was also attended by notable members of the East End creative community, including Board Chair Marty Cohen and Michele Cohen, Executive Director Andrea Grover and husband Carlos Lama, art advisor Kim Heirston, gallerist Tripoli Patterson, NY Times Food & Wine writer Florence Fabricant, fashion industry leader Fern Mallis, theater producers Brian Moreland, Stewart Lane, Bonnie Comley, and choreographer Gina Gibney. Additional artists in attendance included Ross Bleckner, Billy Sullivan, Sheree Hovsepian, Almond Zigmund, Arcmanoro Niles, Steve Miller, Jason Yarmosky, Bastienne Schmidt, Philippe Cheng, Mago, Toni Ross, and Sherrill Roland.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and bites from 6 to 7 PM, including a preview of the two exhibitions on view now through October 26, 2025. Mesler’s Smile Shop in the Pantzer Gallery delighted guests, many of whom purchased whimsical items from jewelry to tote bags, hats, and even a full set of dishes. Simultaneously, specialty libations from Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits and The Macklowe Whiskey and passed hors d’oeuvres by Acquolina were enjoyed in the Minikes Garden.
At 7 PM, attendees made their way to the Anthony Taccetta Designed dinner tent and feasted on scrumptious cuisine prepared by Acquolina Catering.
Following the main course, guests were treated to Site Specific Dances’ Erosions Duet (excerpt), a dance/media-performance choreographed by Michael Spencer Phillips.
Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Eberstadt encouraged guests to show additional support by raising the custom “I’m a Fan of Guild Hall” fans, with donations starting at $25,000. Her efforts successfully yielded $175,000 in donations, making the total contributions for the evening $1 million dollars in support of Guild Hall’s programming.
As the desserts were being enjoyed, tunes were spun by DJ Mick, enticing guests to hit the dance floor, gleefully celebrating another successful summer gala at Guild Hall.
For more info, please visit GuildHall.org.